Navratri is not just a festival of devotion and vibrant celebrations, but it also signifies a time when the entire country, especially in states like Gujarat, comes alive with a unique culinary tradition that focuses on fasting. The rich cultural heritage of Gujarat is reflected in its Navratri food as well, where every household prepares dishes that not only follow the fasting guidelines but are also bursting with flavours and textures.
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For nine nights and ten days, devotees worship the nine forms of Goddess Durga while adhering to a special diet that excludes grains, pulses, and regular salt. This period gives rise to a whole range of special dishes, commonly known as "Farali," which are consumed during the fast. These foods are not only permissible during fasting but are also incredibly tasty and nourishing, with Gujarat, in particular, being known for its delightful array of Farali snacks.
Ragda Pattice
Ragda pattice is a delicious Gujarati farali snack that is perfect for binging during Navratri. It consists of crispy potato patties with a flavourful, tangy, and mildly spiced white pea curry (ragda). The pattice is made from mashed potatoes mixed with spices, while the ragda offers a rich texture from the boiled peas. Topped with chutneys, yoghurt, and crunchy sev, this dish delivers a balance of sweetness, tanginess, and spice, making it an irresistible treat during fasting.
Farali Dhokla
Made with ingredients like sama rice (barnyard millet) and mashed potatoes, it's light, fluffy, and easy to digest. The mild tang from yoghurt, combined with a tempered mix of cumin, curry leaves, and green chillies, gives it a refreshing and balanced flavour. Often served with coconut chutney, this gluten-free, non-grain snack is an excellent choice to binge on while maintaining fasting traditions during the festival.
Yam Raita
Made with boiled and cubed yam mixed with creamy yoghurt, it offers a balance of rich, earthy flavours and a refreshing tang. Seasoned with rock salt, roasted cumin, and a dash of black pepper, it brings a subtle warmth that complements the cooling yoghurt. Garnished with coriander leaves, yam raita is a light yet satisfying snack to enjoy during fasting days while keeping it festive and healthy.
Kuttu Pakora
Kuttu pakora is a popular Gujarati farali snack that is perfect for Navratri fasting. Made with kuttu (buckwheat) flour, these crispy fritters are light yet filling, often served with green chutney. The earthy flavour of buckwheat, combined with spices like cumin and rock salt, adds a deliciously unique taste. Mixed with water and diced potatoes, the batter creates a soft, crunchy exterior.
Sabudana Vada
Featuring sago pearls (sabudana), mashed potatoes, crushed peanuts, and spices, this crispy vada has a delightful combination of crunchy and soft textures. Flavoured with green chillies, cumin, and a hint of lemon, it offers a burst of tangy, spicy goodness in every bite. Typically served with cooling yoghurt or green chutney, it's a filling and tasty snack that’s light enough to enjoy while maintaining the Navratri fast.
Khandvi
Khandvi is a delightful Gujarati farali snack, perfect for binge-watching during Navratri. Made from a smooth batter of gram flour (besan) and yoghurt, it is gently spiced with ginger and green chillies, creating a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture. Rolled into delicate swirls and topped with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and coconut, Khandvi offers a balanced flavour of tangy, spicy, and mildly sweet notes.
Sev Khamani
Sev khamani’s ingredients are simple yet delicious, including besan, peanuts, and curry leaves, making it a great option for festive fasting and celebrations. Made from crumbled dhokla, this light and flavourful dish is seasoned with green chillies, mustard seeds, and tangy lemon juice. Garnished with sev, coriander, and pomegranate seeds, Sev khamani bursts with savoury, spicy, and slightly sweet flavours.